With a little forethought and adaptability, affordable travel around Europe can be a fascinating and varied experience. Travelers may experience Europe’s dynamic cities, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage without breaking the bank thanks to the abundance of reasonably priced options available for lodging, transportation, local cuisine, and activities.
It may be a difficult task as well as an amazing adventure. It can be difficult to know where to begin and how to move around with so many different nations, cultures, and languages. However, traveling around Europe may be easy and fun if you plan ahead and prepare a little. Everything you need to know about traveling throughout Europe, including lodging alternatives, modes of transportation, and activities in various nations, will be covered in this guide.
Planning your trip is crucial before you begin exploring Europe. When organizing your trip, keep the following points in mind:
Budget: Establish how much you are prepared to spend on your trip, taking into account lodging, meals, activities, and transportation. This will assist you in choosing where to stay and organizing your schedule.
Itinerary: Choose the nations and places you wish to see, the length of time you choose to spend in each location, and the activities you wish to engage in. Find out when each location is best to visit and what to anticipate in terms of events, crowds, and weather.
Transportation: Look into your options, such as buses, trains, airplanes, and rental cars. Take into account variables including price, ease of use, and travel duration.
Accommodations: Look into lodging choices, such as hotels, hostels, and vacation homes. Think about things like price, location, and facilities.
Travel documents: Ensure you have a valid passport, any applicable visas, and travel insurance, among other essential travel documents. In this article, we will give you some of our advice on some of the best ways to see Europe on a budget.
Budget Accommodation Options When Travelling around Europe
Comfort and convenience are not sacrificed when traveling throughout Europe on a tight budget. Travelers may experience the continent without going over budget thanks to the abundance of reasonably priced lodging options.
Hostels
Hostels are a great option for tourists on a tight budget because they provide inexpensive individual rooms as well as dormitory-style accommodations. They are excellent for meeting other travelers because they frequently have features like free Wi-Fi, common kitchens, and social areas. High-quality hostels in cities like Barcelona, Berlin, and Prague are well-known for hosting activities like walking tours and pub crawls.
Budget Hotels
In Europe, low-cost hotel brands like Premier Inn, B&B Hotels, and Ibis Budget are common. These motels offer affordable, simple, and clean lodging. Even lower prices can be obtained by making reservations in advance or searching for offers during off-peak travel seasons.
Short Term Rentals
Budget-friendly options, such as single rooms or entire apartments, are available on websites like Airbnb and VRBO. In addition to being particularly cost-effective for families or parties, rentals also provide you access to a kitchen, which lets you cut down on eating out.
B&Bs and Guesthouses
In smaller towns and rural areas, bed-and-breakfasts and guesthouses are frequently run by families. They provide a comfortable setting and frequently provide breakfast, which makes them an excellent choice for tourists on a tight budget.
Camping
Another affordable choice, particularly for outdoor aficionados, is camping. Numerous well-equipped campsites may be found throughout Europe, many of them are close to important towns or scenic landmarks. Some even rent out cabins or tents.
Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing gives visitors the chance to stay with locals for free, providing a rare chance to get a first-hand look at the culture. It’s a great method to save money and build lasting relationships.
University Dormitories
Many institutions provide reasonably priced dorm accommodations to visitors over the summer. These lodgings, which are frequently found near city centers, are simple but practical.
Travelers can drastically cut their lodging expenses by looking into these possibilities, freeing up more money for adventures, meals, and other pursuits. For travelers on a tight budget, Europe can be both affordable and fun with a little preparation and adaptability.
Budget Transportation Options When Travelling around Europe
Because of the wide variety of transportation alternatives available throughout the continent, it is completely feasible to travel around Europe on a budget. Travelers can visit several nations without going over budget using affordable options.
Low-cost Airlines (Budget Airlines)
Flying between European cities is now reasonably priced thanks to low-cost carriers like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air. Although tickets can be purchased for as little as €10, there may be additional costs for priority boarding, luggage, or seat selection. Plan your flights well in advance and travel light to save as much money as possible. The cost of transportation to and from the airport should be taken into consideration because budget airline airports are frequently situated further from the city center.
Buses
One of the most affordable methods to get around Europe is by bus. Large networks linking major cities and smaller villages are provided by companies such as Eurolines, BlaBlaCar Bus, and FlixBus. Generally speaking, tickets are cheap, especially if purchased in advance or during sales. In order to make lengthy trips more tolerable, buses also come equipped with Wi-Fi, charging stations, and cozy seats.
Trains
Regional and slower trains are more affordable than high-speed trains like the Eurostar and TGV. Passes that permit unrestricted travel within a predetermined time frame, such as the Eurail Pass for non-European citizens or the Interrail Pass for European citizens, provide substantial discounts for excursions involving multiple countries. Discounted regional passes, like the Deutschland-Ticket, are available in several nations, like Germany. These passes can be used on both local and regional trains.
Ride- Sharing
By matching drivers and passengers going to the same location, platforms such as BlaBlaCar allow users to meet locals and share fuel expenses. Compared to conventional solutions, it is frequently more versatile and less expensive.
Public Transit
Public transit is a reasonably priced way to get around a city once you’re there. Buses, trams, and metro systems are accessible and far less expensive than ridesharing or taxis. Tourists can purchase day passes or multi-day tickets in many places.
Cycling
Renting a bicycle is an economical and environmentally responsible option for short distances. There are affordable, user-friendly bike-sharing schemes in several cities.
Walking
It’s free, fun, and frequently the greatest way to see small cities like Prague or Florence.
Combining these choices allows tourists to take advantage of Europe’s diversity without breaking the bank. To save money without sacrificing experiences, careful preparation and adaptability are essential.
Budget Eating Options When Travelling around Europe
It’s not necessary to eat at pricey restaurants when touring Europe. You can have hearty meals and local flavors on a budget without compromising on authenticity or quality if you are a little creative and prepare ahead.
Markets and Street Food
Street food is a great way to eat healthily and affordably. Affordable street snacks like bocadillos, simit, and döner kebabs are well-known in places like Berlin, Istanbul, and Barcelona. Local markets, like Madrid’s Mercado de San Miguel or London’s Borough Market, provide freshly made food at affordable costs. Here, sampling local specialties is a culinary and cultural experience.
Grocery Stores and Supermarkets
One of the most economical ways to eat is to buy groceries. The majority of supermarkets in Europe offer reasonably priced prepared sandwiches, salads, and hot meals. Low-cost options are what stores like Aldi, Lidl, and Carrefour are known for. A straightforward picnic with bread, cheese, fresh fruit, and a bottle of regional wine is a delightful and distinctly European meal choice for those on a short budget.
Local Bakeries and Cafés
For cheap breakfasts or snacks, cafés and bakeries are excellent options. Burek in the Balkans or croissants, pastries, and coffee in Paris are delicious and reasonably priced ways to start the day. For a quick and inexpensive lunch, many bakeries also serve sandwiches and other savory foods.
Ethnic Cuisines
Large portions are frequently offered at extremely affordable costs at ethnic restaurants, especially those that serve Middle Eastern, Asian, or African cuisine. Delicious dinners for less than €10 may be found in the thriving ethnic culinary scenes of cities like Amsterdam, Paris, and London.
Lunch Specials
A lot of eateries have set lunch specials or prix fixe menus that are significantly less expensive than their evening prices. Countries like Spain and Italy have a tradition of cheap multi-course lunches termed “menu del día” or “menu turistico,” delivering exceptional value.
Meals at Hostels and Low-Cost Accommodations
You can prepare your own meals in the common kitchens found in many hostels. Some even provide complimentary breakfast or group dinners, which gives you the opportunity to meet other visitors and save money.
Drink Like a Local
Because bottled water can be expensive in some places, save money by drinking tap water, house wines, or local brews.
You may take advantage of Europe’s varied culinary scene without going over budget by looking at these affordable options. Your trip can be even more enjoyable if you creatively embrace the local cuisine culture.
Budget Sightseeing and Tour Options When Travelling around Europe
Particularly when it comes to sightseeing, traveling throughout Europe doesn’t have to be extremely expensive. Numerous towns and areas provide inexpensive, or even free, ways to experience their rich cultural heritage and scenic splendor.
Free Walking Tours
Without breaking the bank, free walking tours are an excellent way to discover a city’s history and attractions. These tours are affordable for tourists on a tight budget since they are guided by experienced guides who accept tips. Well-regarded free tours are available in well-known towns like Prague, Budapest, and Lisbon.
City Passes
Tourist passes that offer free or reduced admission to popular sites, museums, and public transit are available in many European towns. For individuals who intend to visit several locations, the Berlin WelcomeCard, Rome’s Omnia Card, or the Paris Museum Pass are all great choices. These passes frequently let you avoid long ticket queues and can save you money.
Free or Discounted Museum Days
On some days or at specific hours, entry to many museums and galleries throughout Europe is free. For example, the British Museum and Tate Modern in London are always free, and the Louvre in Paris is free on the first Sunday of each month. You may take advantage of world-class art and history without breaking the bank by looking into these opportunities.
Public Gardens and Parks
Beautiful parks and gardens that are open to the public are found throughout Europe. These areas provide tranquility and visual splendor, whether it’s Hyde Park in London, Retiro Park in Madrid, or the Keukenhof Gardens (seasonal) close to Amsterdam.
Self-Guided Tours
You can make your own walking tours using maps, guidebooks, or smartphone apps. Numerous cities offer clearly marked paths that lead you past famous sites, letting you take your time exploring them. Click here to look at our suggested tours for self-guided tours.
Affordable Group Tours
There are frequently inexpensive group tours available if you would want a guided experience. Tours of areas and landmarks are fairly priced through companies and great to book through Get Your Guide.
Explore Local Festivals
Throughout the year, free cultural festivals, concerts, and events are held in many European towns. These events offer a great opportunity to take part in regional customs and celebrations.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures
Entry fees to less visited towns and sites are sometimes reduced or non-existent. Investigating such places can save money and provide a more genuine experience.
You can travel around Europe without breaking the bank if you plan ahead and use your imagination.
Top 3 Budget Country Options When Travelling around Europe
Budget travel to Europe doesn’t have to mean forgoing amazing experiences. At a fraction of the price of more well-known travel destinations, some nations offer breath-taking scenery, fascinating cultural histories, and energetic cities. The following three European nations are among the most affordable to visit:
- Hungary
Hungary is a budget traveler’s paradise, especially its capital, Budapest. Budapest, sometimes referred to as the “Paris of the East,” has reasonably priced hot springs, breath-taking architecture, and a lively nightlife. Local eateries serve cheap meals; goulash and other hearty Hungarian fare only cost a few euros. Public transportation is affordable and effective, and admission to several sites, including Heroes’ Square and Fisherman’s Bastion, is free or inexpensive. The allure of this reasonably priced location is enhanced by the Danube River excursions and ruin pubs.
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- Poland
Another inexpensive jewel that offers a wealth of culture, history, and scenic beauty is Poland. Top locations include Warsaw, with its lively modern vibe, and Kraków, with its well-preserved medieval architecture. Traditional Polish foods like pierogi and bigos are inexpensive when dining out. It is easy to explore thanks to the affordable intercity buses and trains and public transit. Don’t miss sites like the breath-taking Tatra Mountains for reasonably priced hiking or Auschwitz, which is free to enter with a timed ticket.
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- Bulgaria
Some of the cheapest travel alternatives in Europe are available in Bulgaria. The capital, Sofia, offers a low cost of living and is home to several ancient sites, like as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. While places like Plovdiv and Veliko Tarnovo feature quaint architecture and historic ruins, the Black Sea coast is home to stunning beaches. Bulgarian food is tasty and reasonably priced; for example, banitsa and shopska salad only cost a few euros. Entry fees to attractions are often low, and transportation within the nation is incredibly inexpensive.
Pro Tips:
To save even more money on lodging and airfare, go at off-peak times.
For a genuine and affordable experience, take the local transit, dine at neighborhood restaurants, and look into free walking tours.
These three nations provide excellent value, demonstrating that traveling around Europe doesn’t have to be expensive.
